US CDC "Submit State-by-State Vaccine Distribution Plans by October 16"

Preparation Checklist for Distribution Including Refrigerated Storage
Expected Selection of Priority COVID-19 Vaccination Recipients by Late October.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has requested each state to submit their COVID-19 vaccine distribution plans by October 16. Based on the states' plans, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which advises the CDC on vaccination, plans to vote on priority groups for vaccination by the end of next month.

According to foreign media including The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), on the 22nd (local time), the CDC asked state governments to submit distribution plans by October 16, including refrigeration and logistics measures necessary for the COVID-19 vaccine. Using these plans, the CDC intends to select priority vaccination groups immediately after emergency use authorization through ACIP, an external medical expert advisory body, and then proceed with distribution.

ACIP has been holding meetings since July to select priority groups in case vaccines from AstraZeneca, Moderna, Pfizer, which have entered Phase 3 clinical trials, receive emergency approval from the CDC. It is known that the committee plans to finalize priority groups through a vote by the end of October. Priority groups include healthcare workers, severely ill patients, essential workers such as farmers involved in food production, and high-risk groups such as seniors aged 65 and older.

According to WSJ, CDC officials have informed state health authorities that they are prepared to begin vaccinations by late October or November. However, it remains uncertain whether vaccines will actually be available by November. Vaccines under Phase 3 trials developed by Moderna and Pfizer are expected to need data on vaccine efficacy until November, and AstraZeneca’s schedule is expected to be delayed as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has yet to approve resumption of trials following investigations into side effects reported during UK clinical trials.